Former Lloyds banker Sir Brian Pitman dies
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir Brian Pitman, arguably the most respected banker of his generation, has died of a heart attack aged 78.
Sir Brian, had most recently been the chairman of Virgin Money, but he was became famous for building Lloyds Bank into a titan that, following its 1995 takeover of TSB, briefly became biggest bank in the world.
Sir Brian was also a chairman of Next and held non-executive seats on a clutch of Britain's most prestigious boards after retirement from Lloyds.
He started his career as a jazz trombonist but joined the bank in 1952 and was in the 1970s part of the "lifeboat committee" tasked by the Bank of England with sorting out London's secondary banking crisis.
His death will come as a blow to Virgin, which has ambitions to become a new force in British banking and has been linked to a bid for Northern Rock. Sir Brian advised the company on its original approach in 2007. Sir Richard Branson last night described Sir Brian, who died on Monday, as "the giant of his profession" and "the most respected banker of his generation".
He added: "I was fortunate enough to know Sir Brian personally and had him hold our hands as we moved into the world of banking. Everyone who knew this gentle giant will miss him enormously."
Eric Daniels, the current chief executive of Lloyds, said: "Sir Brian was a truly inspirational leader, who contributed an enormous amount to Lloyds over many years. He was a towering figure in our industry and was involved in many of the major changes that have shaped the banking sector."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments